Lethbridge Filipino Heritage Festival 2025

By S.C. Baysa
Pinoy Hour

A couple of weeks back, the Filipino communities in Southern Alberta hoisted their national flag. It marked a period of celebration and acknowledgment of their cultural heritage, particularly in the areas of Lethbridge and Fort Macleod. In its fifth year, the Filipino Canadian Association of Lethbridge Alberta (FCALA) organized the Filipino Heritage Festival at Henderson Lake on July 5 & 6 to celebrate the mentioned event with traditional dishes and various forms of entertainment. Even though the weather anticipated a cloudy and rainy weekend, the community was undeterred and proceeded with the festivities.

With the conclusion of its fifth year, the most notable event for the Filipino community in Southern Alberta has occurred, surpassing the splendour of previous years. The event featured special guests, including Luke Mejares, a talented crooner and former lead vocalist of The South Border band. Kuya Jobert, a popular TV personality from the Philippines, hosted the event, delighting the audience with his comedic punchlines. Additionally, a remarkable dance performance was showcased by Jason Zamora from the renowned dance group, The Manoeuvres, which had local performers and audience members joining in for a lively 45-minute groove.

Local artists once again graced the event to entertain the attendees. The Version 2 (formerly the Jam Nuts) led the local bands and performed their popular songs to engage the guests. Not to mention the other performers contributed by singing and dancing, bringing joy to everyone present. In addition to the charming entertainers and celebrities, there were vendors and sponsors providing a variety of delightful foods and products, allowing attendees to experience the flavours of the Philippines during the festival.